JAN 7 | Deadline to apply for Food Access Fund
On a rolling basis, The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) is soliciting applications from qualified food-related businesses seeking to expand their existing operations through the opening of a new business location in an area designated as having low food access (as set forth in the Act), with priority given to locations in Ward 7 and 8. The grant will be awarded pursuant to the Local Food Access Grants Emergency Amendment Act of 2021 (B24-0309), and any subsequent temporary or permanent legislation (Act).
Purpose: The purpose of the Food Access Fund (FAF) Grant is to increase equitable access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food by securing grocery stores, and restaurants; support existing small businesses; attract new businesses; increase the District’s tax base; create new job opportunities for District residents; and transform designated emerging commercial corridors into thriving and inviting neighborhood centers. The FAF Grant will support qualified businesses with capital for tenant improvements related to expansion of operations into a new location in an area identified as having low food access (as set forth in the Act), with priority given to locations in Ward 7 or Ward 8.
Award: DMPED will award up to a maximum of $7,000,000.00 in grants to successful grantees under this program.
Information Session
An information session was held on Thursday, December 16th at 2 PM. Please see the recording here.
To be considered for funding, applicants must apply online at the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development GrantVantage Online Application Portal.
Online Application
For the application process, applicants will submit proposals using the online grant management system at: GrantVantage - Application Process.
Applications will be submitted online through the GrantVantage system. Applicants will be required to follow a series of steps to submit their application:
Create an Applicant Profile
Answer applicant questions
Complete a Budget Template
Applicants will send technical support questions to GrantVantage at applicantsupport@grantvantage.com. Technical assistance will be available during business hours 9:00 am - 6:00 pm EST.
For questions about the grant content, applicants will submit questions to dmped.grants@dc.gov.